JACKSON, Wyo. — This afternoon National Park Service Director Chuck Sams released a statement in response to the flooding emergency in Yellowstone National Park. The Town of Jackson also released a statement today about the situation.
“Yellowstone is a region shaped by our planet’s mighty natural forces. This is what makes it so spectacular and unmatched anywhere in the world. This week’s flooding reminds us that we humans are just one small part of this ecosystem,” Sams said.
Sams went on to applaud Superintendent Cam Sholly’s phenomenal leadership and said “a direct testament to the professionalism of their effort is the fact that we have had no flood-related injuries reported to visitors or our NPS and partner employees,” Sams said.
Sams said he was in close contact with Sholly, Regional Director Mike Reynolds and is briefing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau.
“We are all working together to ensure Yellowstone has all requested resources to support their emergency response and flood recovery efforts.”
According to the press release, The National Park Service is committed to working quickly to reopen as much of Yellowstone National Park as possible as soon as it is safe to do so.
The southern loop will be closed through this weekend, opening Monday, June 20 at the earliest while the Northern loop may be closed through this summer and indefinitely beyond that, according to reports.
In the town of Jackson’s press release, the town said, “Yellowstone officials are currently working to determine how many travelers can safely visit the southern loop once it reopens. It is our understanding that this will likely mean some type of temporary reservation system to prevent gridlock and reduce impacts on park infrastructure.”
“We realize there is much challenging work ahead, and we will do everything we can to support the park, partners, concessioners, and gateway communities on the road to recovery,” Sams said.
Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson said, “We are all shocked to see the washed-out bridges and eroded roads in Yellowstone, and we want our northern neighbors to know that Jackson is here, ready to provide help and support as it is needed. We are sending our best to our neighbors working to deal with these unprecedented floods.”
